I haven’t been to a rodeo in years; I used to watch rodeo on TNN, in its pre-Spike TV days, or whatever it is now. I guess my casual rodeo-watching, along with my love of classic country music, made me aware of the name Jim Shoulders. Every time his name was mentioned on the telecasts, it was almost spoken with reverence.

Jim passed away at age 79, and as is my unfortunate custom, I found what a mark he made after his death. He won 16 world championships, and 10 reserve championships. That’s a huge achievement in any sport.

And being a huge fan of rodeo country music, a verse in memory of Jim, from Jerry Jeff Walker:

Now, relax and take a deep breath or two
It’s a one time shot and then you’re through
Hang on, boy, and someday you’ll have fame.
When they open up that gate
The bull takes off like a runaway freight
And you’re a ro-de-o de-o de-o de cowboy
Bordering on the insane.

Jim Shoulders had that fame.

RIP, Jim.
-k-
H/T: Sing365.com for the lyrics.

[tags]jerryjeffwalker, jimshoulders[/tags]